I am a 6th & 8th grade Advanced Content Social Studies teacher at Griffin Middle School. I am also the Lead Teacher for the Advanced Learning Programs at GMS, which means that I oversee the Gifted,AC, & A.O.L. programs. I have been at Griffin Middle School for 9 years and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching in my "own backyard". As a Smyrna native, I went to Campbell High School, when it was on Atlanta Road. After high school, I attended Agnes Scott College, which is located in Decatur, Georgia. I received my Bachelors from Agnes Scott College and shortly there after, I received my Masters from Kennesaw State University.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my 4 year old son, Harrison, and my one year old son, Hollis. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends at my church, going to museums, the park, & the zoo. :)
Listed below are ten things of about me, just in case you wanted to know.
1) My favorite sports team...UGA.
2) My favorite movie is Steel Magnolias.
3) My favorite foods are sushi, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and anything chocolate.
4) My favorite sport to watch is football & my favorite sport to play is softball.
5) I was born, raised, and continue to live in the Smyrna/Mableton area. It is actually a little uncommon these days to be a native from this area. :)
6) When I am alone, I enjoy walking, shopping, and reading a good book. There is nothing quite like retail therapy. :) My current read is "The Memoirs of Cleopatra".
7) My peacock color is gold...8th graders know what this is. :)
8) How to truly bug me...secretly attempt to reorganize my desk. :)
9) My dream vacation spots...Moscow, Iceland, and Fiji.
10) Dr. English was my 9th grade English Lit. teacher...and she rocked! Still does!!
April 23, 2009
CRCT Week...
This is CRCT week and the classes are condensed for testing.
6th graders---Students will have the Australia test on Wednesday and will have their historical fiction book assessment on Friday.
8th graders---Students will have the Civil Rights Movement and Modern Georgia test on Wednesday (silver class) and on Monday (blue class). Also, students will finish presenting the Civil Rights Movement IRAs. Lastly, students will complete the CRCT review packets in pairs and trios and we will discuss the answers in class.
Good Luck on the CRCT!!
March 23, 2009
Week of March 23-27
8th Graders:This week, students are finishing up World War 2 and its effects on Georgia. Also, we are beginning the unit on the Civil Rights Movement & GA's Role in it. Lastly, students will present their decade projects on the 20th century.
6th Graders: This week, students are finishing up Latin America's History, Economy, & Government. The test will be on Thursday. Additionally, we will be starting the Australia unit on its government, culture, history, and economy. Students will also finish presenting the tiered projects of Latin America.
March 17, 2009
Week of 3/16-3/20
8th Grade: We are finishing up the decade projects for the 20th century. They are due on Friday (silver) and Monday (blue). Also, we are discussing in class the role of the U.S., and specifically Georgia, in World War 2. Additionally, students are completing benchmark testing. The next, and final, book assessment will be on 3/31.
6th Grade: We are finishing up the Latin American History Tiered Project, which is due on Wednesday. Presentations will be on Wednesday and Friday. Also, the review sheet for Latin America's History, Economies, and Governments will be due on Friday. The test for this unit will be on Tuesday, 3/24.
November 03, 2008
During This Election Week...
8th Graders: Last week, 8th graders finished taking their political voice on-line quizzes and participated in the Mock Election voting.
This week, students will take the Antebellum Social Classes and Religions quiz. Additionally, students will take notes and discuss the early forms of government in the United States, with close attention given to the Articles of Confederation, federalism, the Missouri Compromise, and how GA's constitution changed from 1781 to 1789. Students will also begin analyzing the how Georgia's branches of government are similar to and different from the U.S. branches of government. Lastly, the boot assessment is rapidly approaching.
6th Graders: Last week, 6th graders discussed the Russian Revolution, including but not limited to its causes, major events, and effects. This week, 6th graders are focusing on World War 1, including but not limited to its causes, major events, and effects. Students will also begin working on their Europe History project. Students are also finishing the presentations on the Cultures and Geography of Europe IRA. Zlata's Diary should be read by 11/20.
Both classes---2 weeks progress reports will be distributed this week. Please return them signed for a grade.
October 21, 2008
During This Cool, Crisp October Week...
8th Grade: This week, we will be finishing up the American Revolution. Students will be learning about Georgia's role in the revolution, the disadvantages, & and advantages of the warring sides, and how the disadvantages and advantages influenced the war. Additionally, students will complete the review sheet and we will have the test on Thursday. Students are strongly urged to look over the powerpoint notes that were given out in class for the past 4 class meetings.
6th Grade: This week, students will be presenting their historical fiction novel projects on Europe & will be collaborating on the Cultures & Geography of Europe IRA. The IRA is due on Wednesday. On Friday, students will begin examining the major historical events during European history.
October 10, 2008
On This Fabulous Friday...
8th Graders: This week, students took the Exploration and Colonialism test. Additionally, they had the choice of either completing the book assessment test or the project. The project is due on the first class meeting next week. Additionally, the Colonialism project, which students have been working on for the past 2 weeks in class, is due on the first class meeting next week. Also, students took the benchmark exam.
6th Graders: This week, students examined and discussed Environmental problems in Europe & Geography and Cultures of Europe. Also, students took the benchmark exam. Students presented their Environmental Problems in Europe IRA and the collaborated on the Cultures of Europe IRA. The historical fiction book assessment will be on 10/16, next Thursday.
September 26, 2008
Hey 6th Graders...
I have had a family emergency & will not be in class today. I am sorry that I will not be in class today. I had all intentions, however, it appears that I will have to go out of town this afternoon due to a family emergency.
Today, you would have presented your Explorers projects, however, it will have to wait until Tuesday. Instead, we will continue with our Geography of Europe unit. Last class, you completed the map of Europe. Today, as well as next week, we will focus on the Environmental Problems in Europe.
1) Please view the powerpoint that is located here:
Download geography_of_europe.ppt
2) Please answer the questions located on the worksheet, which the substitute teacher will provide. Use the powerpoint as your reference for assistance.
3) Please view the project guideline sheet & begin:
September 16, 2008
Cogat and ITBS Weeks
8th Graders: For the next several weeks, you will be taking the ITBS and Cogat. It is important that you try your best because magnet schools consider these scores for placement. This week, we are beginning our Explorers and Colonialism unit. Students completed a "Persuade the Pope" IRA today and will begin their E & C project later this week. The next book assessment will be on October 9.
6th Graders: This week and next week, we will conclude our Age of Discovery...Explorers Unit with the project, due 9/24, as well as several IRAs. The next book assessment will be on October 9. We will then begin our Geography of Europe unit.
September 04, 2008
On This Terrific Thursday...
8th Grade: Blue Class...your book assessment is due on 9/9 and the Native Americans project is due on 9/11. Silver class...your book assessment and the review sheet are due on 9/8 and the Native Americans project is due on 9/10.
6th Grade: Your book assessment is due on 9/8.
September 02, 2008
So How Was Your Labor Day?
So...if anyone can tell me why it is called "Labor Day", when most people actually are off of work on this holiday, then he/she will receive 5 PAWS. First person to answer gets the PAWS. :)
8th Grade: The Historical Fiction Book Assessment will be on Thursday (Silver) and Friday (Blue). Please choose between the in-class test or the project before arriving to class. All projects will be due the following class day. Additionally, we are wrapping up the Native Americans unit and students will be comparing and contrasting the Native American periods. Additionally, students will be collaborating and working independently on their Native Americans project, which is due the first class meeting of the week of 9/8.
6th Grade: We are diving deep into our Explorers unit and we are discussing Henry Hudson this week. This week, we will finish the Henry Hudson Webquest and will also have the historical fiction book assessment. The book assessment will be on 9/4. All projects will be due on 9/10.
